What is Biocomplexity?

The interplay between life and its environment is complex. Biocomplexity arises from the multitude of behavioral, biological, social, chemical, and physical interactions that affect, sustain, or are modified by living organisms, including humans. From cells to the global ecosystem, all systems associated with life exhibit biocomplexity.

Characteristics of biocomplexity include:

• Nonlinear or chaotic behavior
• Interactions that span multiple levels or spatial and temporal scales
• Hard to predict (unpredictable behavior)
• Must be studied as a whole, as well as piece by piece
• Relevant for all kinds of organisms -- from microbes to human beings
• Relevant for environments that range from frozen polar regions and volcanic vents to temperate forests and agricultural lands as well as the neighborhoods and industries of urban centers.

Research on biocomplexity asks such questions as:

• How do systems with living components (such as people) respond and adapt to stress?
• Are adaptation and change predictable?
• How will climate change affect species' ranges?
• Can we forcast the combined effects of changing climate and socioeconomic change?
• How does diversity (species, genetic, cultural) affect system stability?